Preamble
We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to
Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious
consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State
for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare:
[Declaration of Rights].
Article 36
That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such
manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to
protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought by any law to
be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion, or
profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under the color of religion,
he shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe
the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious
rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or maintain, or
contribute, unless on contract, to maintain, any place of worship, or any
ministry; nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a
witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in
the existence of God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held
morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor either in
this world or in the world to come.
Nothing shall prohibit or require the making reference to
belief in, reliance upon, or invoking the aid of God or a Supreme Being in any
governmental or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, school,
institution, or place.
Article 37
That no religious test ought ever to be required as a
qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a
declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature
prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this
Constitution.
Article 39
That the manner of administering an oath or affirmation to
any person, ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession,
or denomination, of which he is a member, generally esteem the most effectual
confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being.